Vertical Bridge

March 3rd, 2009.

Author: Anthea Maxwell

How to use this transitional phase of your career to get the job you want.

It was not very long ago that job hunting was a relatively passive pursuit in what was once a tight candidate market. Job seekers could post their resumes on a couple of job boards, sit back and wait for the calls to come flooding in. Candidates really did call the shots – salaries reached an all-time high and employee incentive programs became the norm. The more skilled the candidate, the faster this job hunting process became due to the lack of competition.

Unfortunately, as we all know too well, the rules of job hunting have changed dramatically in a very short time. Salaries have dropped, it takes longer to find employment and competition is stronger than ever. Job seekers must now enlist a strategic and direct approach in finding their next position. Here are a few tips on how to stand out from the crowd and get the position that you really want – there is no need to settle for anything less!

Target your resume for the job you are applying for. This is something that is well-known by all job seekers but so rarely gets the attention it deserves. You may well be the greatest public speaker your Toastmasters club has ever encountered but if you are applying for a role that does not require this skill set, there is no need to include more than a brief reference on your resume. Your resume needs to speak directly to the position that you are applying for which is why it must be updated according to the specific job particulars.

Don’t act desperate or like a “Jack(ie) of All Trades”. Once you do get a meeting with the company, try to avoid this common interview shortfall. Yes you have had a successful and varied career and there is no doubt that you can do anything you put your mind to, but future employers want to hear about how you are perfectly suited to the job that you are interviewing for. If you are focusing on past career highlights that may not be part of the current job description, your prospective employer is going to think that you are not really interested in the position as it stands and will choose someone else is. Similarly, with acting desperate – interviewing for entry level jobs that you are clearly overqualified for can project an image of desperation. Saying that you can do any job, in any company, for any price tells prospective employers very clearly that you will take this job until something better comes along.

Network, Network, Network. As companies are downsizing and hiring freezes are being put into place, you may think that there are no employment opportunities out there for you. This is not the case. Some companies may not be actively recruiting like they were six months ago but they are always interested in hearing about talented individuals. They may not have a position for you now but you will be at the forefront of their minds when they do. When you find yourself back on the job market, devote as much time as you can to networking:

• Call up that recruiter who placed you five years ago. They will be able to tap into their extensive networks in order to let you know of any suitable opportunities as soon as they come up.
• Arrange to have coffee with former colleagues, school mates or contacts you may have lost touch with. This gives you a chance to let them know that you’re back on the market and they can spread the word into their own network of contacts.
• Attend networking events. You may dread this mainstay of the corporate world but chances are you have not yet found the event that is right for you. Conduct thorough research on the networking events in your area and try to attend the ones with topics or speakers that resonate with you both personally and professionally. With this approach, you are going to make lasting contacts that will provide you with relevant networking potential now and long into the future.

These are just a few points on how to switch gears and find employment in the current economy. Remember to stay upbeat and treat this time of transition as your opportunity to find a great new job. Happy hunting!